Despite losing a congressional race in 2012, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner is showing no signs of going away. Word is he could be seeking another congressional seat in 2014.
Hasner had an interesting 2012 election cycle. First setting his sites on running for the U.S. Senate, Hasner had some success winning the conservative base as he sought the Republican nomination to challenge Bill Nelson. His best moment in the Senate campaign came in September 2011 when he won a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event in Orlando.
As he continued his bid, Hasner made excellent use of social media and became a favorite among conservative activists who had questions about the likes of Mike Haridopolos, Connie Mack and George LeMieux. But, despite his impressive moments, Hasner failed to move in the polls and, after redistricting, he shifted over to focus on an open congressional seat.
With the backing of prominent conservatives at the state and national levels, Hasner ran against Democratic candidate Lois Frankel in one of the most high profile congressional races in the nation. Frankel solidly beat Hasner in November by almost 10 percent.
Despite the loss, Hasner has now resurfaced. Rumors are growing that Hasner could be setting his sites on freshman Democrat U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy whose seat, on paper, is much friendlier territory for Republicans than Frankels. In the 2012 election cycle, Democrats made up 41 percent of Frankels district while only 33 percent of it was registered Republicans. Republicans made up 38 percent of Murphys district, while Democrats were right behind them with 36 percent.
But Hasner wont have an open shot at Murphy. Two candidates have already entered the Republican primary to challenge Murphy and there are a host of other potential challengers looking at jumping in.
Only 43, Hasner showed signs that he has no intention of heading to sidelines in recent days. Hasner has continued to remain active on social media, weighing in on issues on Twitter. This week, Gov. Rick Scott gave Hasner a bully pulpit to weigh in on issues and earn some attention, appointing him to the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County. Its a new area of focus for Hasner, who has been prominent on fiscal responsibility, foreign policy and the war on terror.
If Hasner enters the race against Murphy, he starts off as one of the leading Republican candidates. Still, much of Murphys district is to the north of the district Hasner represented in Tallahasee. While solid in Palm Beach County, Hasner is not as well known or established in the northern part of Murphys district, including Martin and St. Lucie counties. But, with something of a national following and contacts across the state, he should be able to raise money if he jumps in. If Hasner enters this race, he is a serious candidate to win the nomination and will have a strong chance to beat Murphy.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this story exclusively for Sunshine State News.
